The Eastern Michigan University Board of Regents has formally reprimanded President Susan Martin for behavior at a recent event in Washington D.C. when she allegedly got into an argument with an alumnus after consuming alcohol.

In a May 17 letter, the board's executive committee threatened to fire Martin if she did not control her drinking.

"We have become aware of a recent incident in Washington, D.C. in which you conducted yourself in a way that was inappropriate for your position and reflected poorly on the university," a letter from the Board of Regents states. "The incident involved the consumption of alcohol."

The board went on to say it was worried about Martin's "misuse of alcohol" and "concerned about you as a person," and encouraged her to seek counseling. The board also said Martin's alcohol consumption may not only damage the reputation of the university, but lead to future liability issues.

Additionally, the letter mentioned "prior incidents discussed with you," but did not elaborate.

In an email to the campus community sent Tuesday, Martin apologized for the conduct.

"I had a disagreement with an alumni member following an alumni reception in Washington, D.C. about Eastern’s past. I lost my temper and made inappropriate remarks for which I apologized," she wrote.

Michael Ferens, the alumnus Martin argued with, said the argument was about EMU's former mascot, the Huron Indians. He said Martin reacted to something he said about the former mascot. EMU changed its mascot from the Hurons to the Eagles in 1991.
Martin called the argument a misunderstanding.

"It was over in a minute and we moved on quickly," she said.

In the email, Martin publicly disclosed a DWI she received in 2005, saying the board was fully aware of the incident.

In another communication, Martin said she leads a "very intense and highly visible life" and "could not perform these duties and handle the rigors of this position if I had a serious health issue of any type as suggested" by the board in its letter.

According to communications, while at an alumni event on April 23 Martin got into a heated argument with an alumnus about a "particularly sad time in Eastern's history." Martin admits losing her temper but says she and the alumnus reconciled over email the next day.

Martin's email to students and the release of the board's letter comes after the Detroit Free Press requested Martin's personnel file through the Freedom of Information Act.

Comments

Ron Granger

Wed, Jul 11, 2012 : 3:02 p.m.

EMU regents issued a swift reprimand?
Did the U of M regents issue any reprimands in the bungled child porn case? No? What would it take for them to take action?

ccsummer

Wed, Jul 11, 2012 : 2:02 p.m.

As a mental health professional who has worked done a lot of work with people addicted to alcohol and/or other drugs, let me say while it's unfortunate this incident has been made so public, apparently her problem drinking has been pointed out to her before. And her drunken behavior couldn't have been more public in this situation. As a rule of thumb, a DWI itself is a good indication of a drinking problem because the person has probably been drinking and driving for some period and just happened to finally get caught. Another rule of thumb, if people think you have a drinking problem, you do. As for her performance as president--a large number of people are extremely high-functioning addicts. Unfortunately for them, the fact that they continue to be high-functioning makes it even harder for them to admit they have a problem. I am surprised that the board didn't fire her since this isn't the first such incident. As someone pointed out, who among us would have kept our job after such a work-related incident? Perhaps she has a contract that guarantees her a huge amount of money if she's terminated. I don't know. I wish they had at least suggested a leave of absence so she could get treatment, although treatment seldom works unless a person is ready to admit they have a substance abuse problem. Another rule of thumb--if a person's use of a mind/mood altering substance interferes with their daily life/work, that person most likely has a problem. Clearly, the president's drinking is interfering with her work. So several things point to the fact that she has a problem with drinking. Addiction is an illness, not a moral failing, not a failure of self-control, not a character flaw. Sadly, people often point to the fact that they haven't lost their jobs as proof that they don't have a substance abuse problem. The loss of a job can be a wake-up call. I got my first two degrees from EMU and the university remains important to me.

mhw

Wed, Jul 11, 2012 : 1:45 p.m.

Seems like a lot of leaping to assumptions without having all the details. getting angry at someone and letting a profane comment slip doesn't mean it was a drunken argument. It does show that alcohol can contribute to making a bad call. No excuse though, a high profile position demands professionalism at all times.
Easy to cast stones, harder to get redemption for stupid decisions.

Madeleine Borthwick

Wed, Jul 11, 2012 : 1:22 p.m.

I'm not as think as you drunk I am.......

Paul Taylor

Wed, Jul 11, 2012 : 5:33 a.m.

This is what passes for news when a young white woman hasn't gone missing on break, I guess. Reflects far worse on the regents than on the president.

Jed I Knight

Wed, Jul 11, 2012 : 3:27 a.m.

Sparty On!

Colby

Wed, Jul 11, 2012 : 2:28 a.m.

Conspiracy Theory:
1. Regents begin turning the entire university over to the Provost (merging enrollment mgt and student affairs with academic affairs) after her very short tenure at EMU.
2. Regents leak &quot;issues&quot; with Martin to Free Press.
3. Pressure generated by the negative press forces Martin to step down.
4. Regents can turn the rest of the operation over to Provost by appointing her interim president, then making her permanent without a national search, despite her limited experience.
5. Honeymoon with Schatzel lasts about two years.
6. Rinse. Repeat.

genetracy

Wed, Jul 11, 2012 : 2:07 a.m.

The last decent president EMU had was Dr John Porter. He was a true professional.

EMU Insider

Tue, Jul 10, 2012 : 11:22 p.m.

I found her response to the Regents (which is really essentially to the taxpayers of the State of Michigan) to be quite distasteful, disrespectful and inappropriate.
&quot;I lead a very intense and high visible life.&quot;
&quot;I have a very demanding schedule with regular public appearances and speaking engagements.&quot;
&quot;I live in a public house that employees enter regularly and I often have guests stay with us overnight.&quot;
SO WHAT? YOU'RE THE PRESIDENT AND MAKE $300,000+ -- she also received a $7,500 bonus last year.
What does ANY of this have to do with her &quot;bad behavior,&quot; which she herself called &quot;un-presidential.&quot;
She needs to be fired immediately -- no ifs, ands or buts about it.

Woman in Ypsilanti

Wed, Jul 11, 2012 : 5:34 p.m.

I would not support that in any way. I don't think people should be fired from their jobs unless they aren't doing their jobs well. It this case, it seems that she is by and large doing to a great job at EMU. Firing her would be a very bad move.

lumberg48108

Wed, Jul 11, 2012 : 5:26 a.m.

I wish I could be so smart as to diagnose people from one letter -- what skllls the posters have
fired immediately? do you know a rank and file staff or faculty member would not be fired immediately - they would be given due process and then likely, a reprimand
the difference is, you would not read about in the paper

YpsiArbor

Wed, Jul 11, 2012 : 3:08 a.m.

Also whiny and excuse-ridden. Denial. Alcoholism. Cozy bedfellows, the two.

Cash

Tue, Jul 10, 2012 : 9:45 p.m.

If you received a DUI ticket would you continue to drink alcohol? And please spare me the &quot;social function&quot; bull.
It is more than possible to attend social functions without drinking alcohol. Anyone who cannot do that, has a problem. Come on....you are doing your job entertaining alumni and you can't sip on a Coke while they suck up the alcohol? I've seen many people do it. And again, if you can't, I know where you can get help.
Necessity of &quot;social drinking&quot;, job pressure, all baloney excuses that aren't acceptable.
This isn't about judging a person...this is about judging behaviors and hoping someone gets help!
Tough love ..... that's' what it's about.
I heard her interview on WDIV and when asked if she would stop drinking she changed the subject.
In other words DENIAL.

GenuineA2

Tue, Jul 10, 2012 : 9:20 p.m.

The reprimand letter from the board says, &quot;In addition to the conduct in Washington, D.C., and the prior incidents discussed with you, we are concerned that your misuse of alcohol could result in liability to the university in the use of your University supplied vehicle.&quot;
Ann Arbor.com, have you asked the university for clarification on those &quot;prior incidents&quot;? Clearly, as the letter suggests, there was more than one, and they were alcohol-related. Was she driving a university vehicle when these &quot;prior incidents&quot; occurred? Was she stopped by EMU police? Was there any cause for her to be given a breathalyzer test? Did they fail to arrest her as is required by law? Why is the board concerned that she might drink and drive? Is that based solely on the 2005 arrest? Was she drinking on the job at other times? Have other complaints been filed against her? Was any report of any kind filed with any university office about these &quot;prior incidents&quot;? Who else was involved in these incidents? When and where did they occur? How were they reported to the board? What was the nature of the board's discussion with her regarding these prior incidents? Who was present for that discussion? There is more to this story. Is AnnArbor.com pursuing this in the interest of the community's and the taxpayer's right to know?

e. brown

Tue, Jul 10, 2012 : 9:16 p.m.

No one is ready to string her up, but it should concern you that she had a need to apologize for something; so what exactly was she apologizing for? I am not a drinker and have not an iota of sympathy for someone that drinks in excess to put themselves in a situation that they may regret.
I want all of you that are defending her to re-read her letter to the Regents and try to comprehend what she is trying to say.
Additionally, try to separate Dr. Martin from this story and interject some other person into the story. Say a John or Jane Doe. Given that, I can assure you that many of you defenders would be stringing up said John or Jane Doe in the same way that you feel people are stringing up Dr. Martin. There can't be a double standard when it comes to a situation like this based on who the person is.
By her own admission, she states that she consumed some libations on an empty stomach and that may have lead to her behavior. Sounds like an excuse, but givng her the benefit of the doubt, one in a high profile position still has to conduct themselves in a professional manner at all times. Whatever the argument was about, as the president of the institution in 2012 and being around for about four years, how tied are you to the university's past? Let someone say what they want, but you only defend what you can; but do so on a full stomach after eating, rather than an empty stomach that is fueled with alcohol.
The right thing to do was to walk away, but hindsight is 20/20 and that is why we are here today and once again the university is being raked over the coals by every media outlet in the metropolitan Detroit area; and for what? I am not sure if EMU is cursed worse or the Kennedy clan.

Charley Sullivan

Tue, Jul 10, 2012 : 9:12 p.m.

When the board writes that use of alcohol is &quot;inappropriate,&quot; surely they're kidding right? Particularly at an alumni function where the schmoozing for dollars is being done. Losing control on some level is, perhaps, another issue (though I hope Martin told Michael Ferens that Native American mascots are, in the main, based on racist stereotypes and are unacceptable.) Clear board overstep here, with all the hallmarks of the tendency in American universities these days to use HR processes to beat people up. (So, don't use profanity while you screw people over, and all is A-OK!!!!)
But it is distressing that the president of a &quot;major university&quot; would not know that there is no such thing as &quot;an alumni.&quot; Really???

Charley Sullivan

Wed, Jul 11, 2012 : 1:49 a.m.

Olive. Go read her own letter . . .

Olive

Tue, Jul 10, 2012 : 9:33 p.m.

I know first hand she knows the difference between alumnus and alumni (and alumna and alumnae, for that matter.) Remember, people are frequently misquoted in articles.

julieswhimsies

Tue, Jul 10, 2012 : 9:03 p.m.

As the daughter of an alcoholic, I urge Ms. Martin to get help immediately. Alcoholism causes a myriad of physical and emotional problems for the abuser. Most importantly, the effect of an alcoholic's drinking, is the problems and heartache it causes everyone around them...family and friends...and in this case, the reputation of an entire University. Much has been written about the problems caused by student drinking. Ms. Martin loses her credibility with students, faculty and Administrators by allowing this problem to continue. How can she be a role model for students on her campus, when she herself indulges in the same behavior. I am not in a position to diagnose Ms. Martin with alcoholism...but, when drinking begins to affect your personal and professional life, it is time to take notice. My father died last June of cirrhosis of the liver.

julieswhimsies

Fri, Jul 13, 2012 : 10 p.m.

When alcohol causes injury and paint to other, and interferes with your occupational duties, alcoholism should be investigated. Perhaps Ms. Martin is not an alcoholic....but she does show symptoms, and needs to have these symptoms checked out, Will. It is not a good idea to simply &quot;forget&quot; about prior incidents. She could well harm herself or others, even if she is not &quot;technically&quot; an alcoholic, but likes a good buzz in an inappropriate place.

Madeleine Borthwick

Wed, Jul 11, 2012 : 1:59 p.m.

Julie, I'm sorry to hear of your loss but good for you to share this with the rest of us. if just one person can see themselves in this then your father's death was *not* for nothing. God bless you...one day at a time.....

Will Warner

Tue, Jul 10, 2012 : 11:10 p.m.

&quot;I am not in a position to diagnose Ms. Martin with alcoholism&quot;
And yet you do.

Cash

Tue, Jul 10, 2012 : 10:57 p.m.

Agreed Julieswhimsies....people who have been there see through all of the bull. It's a vision that is given to those who have suffered through alcoholism.

julieswhimsies

Tue, Jul 10, 2012 : 9:47 p.m.

Thank you, Cash. I loved my Dad, but he was hell to be around. Yes. The DUI should have been a HUGE wake-up call for Ms. Martin. I am glad (or assume) that no innocents were hurt or killed. Perhaps the University could give her a year off without pay to go into rehab, and solve this all too common problem. Cirrhosis is a long, drawn-out, painful way to die.

Cash

Tue, Jul 10, 2012 : 9:35 p.m.

julieswhimsies....I'm so sorry about your dad.
After you get a DUI and still drink.....you need help. Because the next step can be much worse.

seldon

Tue, Jul 10, 2012 : 8:54 p.m.

Seriously, one argument with an alumnus, and a lot of you are ready to string her up?
None of us were there. None of us saw it. None of us know whether it was actually serious, or whether this got as far as it did because of some kind of dispute with the EMU Regents -- in other words, we don't know whether this is a small argument being used as a pretext for political reasons.
What we do know is that the alumnus says it was minor, they talked, and it's over.

SEC Fan

Tue, Jul 10, 2012 : 10:24 p.m.

it wasn't &quot;one&quot; argument.
Read the letter. They reference several incidents.

seldon

Tue, Jul 10, 2012 : 8:56 p.m.

Let me add that we also don't know whether she was actually drunk, or whether she simply raised the alcohol issue to say that under normal circumstances it wouldn't have happened. I know the Regents go into it, but again, we don't know whether there's actually a problem, or whether they're creating one for political reasons.
I'm not going to give her a free pass, but given the history of EMU governance, I'm certainly not going to give that Board of Regents a free pass!

Craig Lounsbury

Tue, Jul 10, 2012 : 8:46 p.m.

Ironically that multimillion dollar Presidential Place they built a few years back was done in part so the sitting president could &quot;properly entertain&quot; prospective check writing alumni and other donors . I imagine a few adult beverages are involved at those soirees

Leslie

Wed, Jul 11, 2012 : 3:35 p.m.

Having been to some of those soirees, adult beverages are freely poured. There are restrictions to alcohol being served on campus - I think only two events per year are granted that privilege, I think? One of them is the Jazz Benefit. I don't think there are any such restrictions at the President's House.

Rimshot

Tue, Jul 10, 2012 : 8:33 p.m.

I'd love to hear what prompted the Free Press to FOIA her personnel file.

Cash

Tue, Jul 10, 2012 : 9:34 p.m.

The HUGE difference between EMU personnel and UM personnel......EMU people will rat out the people at the top to the media. Frankly I admire that.

e. brown

Tue, Jul 10, 2012 : 8:28 p.m.

The letter to the Regents is nothing more than an excuse and a sign that the person is not willing to admit that she has a problem. Save the bleeding heart stuff for another day. This is a bad situation and on top of a druken driving matter from seven years ago; she had her chance at redemption and screwed it up with an excuse of &quot;I got my drink on without eating first&quot;. Okay; how about getting that resume updated without warning?
To excuse this away based on what the person has does positively for the university is so ridiculous. People do make mistakes and should be forgiven, but I for one am not willing to give another chance to someone that has had another chance. I have too many friends and family members that have abused drugs and/or alcohol and one day that abuse will lead to a tragic incident. I'd rather not hear about the president of my alma mater being that statistic which leads to a tragedy.
It is said that a drunk person really says what's on their mind so I am interested in knowing what exactly it was that was said during the druken stupor. This is an inexcusable act and for those of yo uthat want to act as if it is no big deal, try to separate your adoration for the person from the fact that she was as wrong as a three dollar bill.

CroseW

Thu, Jul 12, 2012 : 4:02 p.m.

Dr. Martin's apology was for a sharp response and argument with an allumnae which was considered un-presidential.

lumberg48108

Wed, Jul 11, 2012 : 5:23 a.m.

I thought her letter read &quot;I was wrong .. and I own it&quot;
so what exactly was your last point?

Rimshot

Tue, Jul 10, 2012 : 8:51 p.m.

&quot;Drunken stupor&quot; Where did you get that? Certainly not from actually reading the Regent's letter.

JPLewis

Tue, Jul 10, 2012 : 8:25 p.m.

She's done.

Tru2Blu76

Tue, Jul 10, 2012 : 8:25 p.m.

So even if EMU President Martin worked a killer workaholic schedule of 100 hours per week, she'd be raking it in at a rate of $59.60 / hour. Wow - I am totally a non-drinker except on New Years Eve. (which is also my birthday) and even then I take only two drinks to celebrate (and have had no drunken arguments on that occasion). So where do I go to get the job interview?
But a moment's lapse on the part of one public official isn't what's ailing this country. Anyone who takes a look at what goes on inside both (leading) political parties knows the problem starts there and kinda &quot;gets sent to Washington D.C.&quot; There's too much &quot;partying&quot; going on in Washington, D.C. anyway. Less partying - more loyalty and working for the country.

Michigan Man

Wed, Jul 11, 2012 : 2:31 a.m.

76 - so true. Drinking is a voluntary behavior and preventable disaster. No one to blame but herself.

a2citizen

Tue, Jul 10, 2012 : 8:22 p.m.

I hope he never needs it but Coach &quot;fill in the blank&quot; has a freebie coming.

Woman in Ypsilanti

Tue, Jul 10, 2012 : 8:21 p.m.

I am an alumna of EMU and let me tell you, if I had any idea at all that this kind of thing could go down at an alumni event, I would actually consider attending one of those things. I haven't in the past because I've always figured they would be ultra boring. Har har.
Seriously though. Maybe it is a good thing to have a university president who is passionate enough about the school to be a little inappropriate sometimes. Maybe the occasional unprofessional incident is worth having someone there who seems to actually care about the university.

Joe B.

Tue, Jul 10, 2012 : 8:20 p.m.

I think this story is ridiculous. A huge public scandal is being made over inferences, innuendos, etc... with little facts available. What we have are several different issues here.
1. Accusations, etc... re: Dr. Martin being an alcoholic. First of all, we as the public do not know either way, as they've only mentioned two incidents. We shouldn't be convicting her offhand. Second, if she is, the first priority should be her health. The way the Board of Regents has chosen to handle the matter shows a distinct lack of care for her health. There are two ways to handle this kind of matter: supportively, ie encourage/force her to get help; or tough-love, ie fire her. Either way would be handled with DISCRETION if they truly cared.
2. The incident with an alumnus. Again, we have almost no information. Perhaps she was defending us (I am a current EMU student). In that case good for her. Perhaps she was being blamed for things that didn't happen on her watch (happens to all types of presidents) and got sick of it. Those are only a few possibilities. I cannot stress how much we don't know so we shouldn't judge.
3. Propriety and humanity. As a public figure she is held to a higher standard, and yes she should be. However, she is a human being and we all make mistakes. We don't typically have a 1 strike and you're out policy, especially at EMU. Nor should we. Bottom line: it's a stressful position and it's ridiculous to to think that she doesn't get angry or overwhelmed or whatever and due to that same position, can't take a night off. In those circumstances, things are bound to happen, and they do.
4. Perspective. She had an argument. This is not the same thing as covering up murder.
I don't agree with a lot of actions and decisions made at the administrative level, but the timing is too much for me. I think she's being set-up by the BoR. And being the bad guy with no support from any quarter blows, so I feel more sorry for her than anything else.

Diane

Tue, Jul 10, 2012 : 8:15 p.m.

I have some history and experience with alcohol abuse. Not personally but with various family members. I understand the justifying behaviors that people with issues employ to excuse their behavior.
I am also an administrator at a school. In this case, I don't believe that Mary Sue Coleman is &quot;justifying&quot;. She is using language and descriptions that are appropriate for a response that she is asking to be put in her permanent employment records.
I am also an EMU alum......3 degrees over 40 years. I may even go back for a fourth. My perspective is that she beats many previous presidents hands down.
The bigger problem is that in the 24/7 news and social media world we live in today everyone knows everything all the time. Or, it sure seems like it. One thing I try to live by is &quot;just because we can do something (like constant information gathering) doesn't mean we should&quot;. This can be applied to lots of things.

seldon

Tue, Jul 10, 2012 : 8:52 p.m.

Wrong university, wrong president.

a2citizen

Tue, Jul 10, 2012 : 8:33 p.m.

&quot;I have some history and experience with alcohol abuse...&quot;
then you go on to mention Mary Sue Coleman.
When your family members did it they &quot;justified&quot; their behaviors. But a college president does you call it &quot;appropriate&quot;.
I certainly hope we are not related.

Amberle

Tue, Jul 10, 2012 : 7:55 p.m.

I'm an EMU Graduate Student and I stand by my President. Yes, what she did wasn't becoming of her position, but that doesn't mean that she, like all the other humans who have made mistakes in higher posts and positions than others, doesn't deserve forgiveness and the chance to move on. I, for one, cherish President Martin as someone who genuinely loves the EMU community, and wants what is best for us. I refuse to let this incident taint her; she is still our President and deserving of respect, as well as forgiveness. If you can't give her a chance to move on, then withold it from everyone else, including yourself, because if you can't forgive others, you have no right, nor do you deserve to be forgiven.

Madeleine Borthwick

Wed, Jul 11, 2012 : 1:50 p.m.

Amberle, Everyone deserves to be forgiven, stop acting so self-righteous and judgemental. The Bible preaches forgiveness(70 times seven? remember?) it also admonishes us not to judge.....hello...

YpsiArbor

Wed, Jul 11, 2012 : 3:11 a.m.

It's not just one incident - if you read the letters, you'll see this is plural.
Your tuition isn't the lowest. It's about in the middle. Check the facts.
And if you talk to people who work for her - those who aren't too terrified to speak up - you'll hear the other side of the &quot;oh, I'm so concerned for you&quot; stuff. She purchases absolute loyalty. Why else do you think no one has ever stood up to her serial drinking problem? Do you regard this as a good role model for students? For people who aspire to professional careers? You're super emotional about this, Amberle, but the facts won't change.

Anna

Tue, Jul 10, 2012 : 11:08 p.m.

@Amberle - Ever hear of the term &quot;accountability?&quot; She is a public figure, cushioned upon a salary partially funded by taxpayers. This is not her first offense and issue which stemmed from inebriation. She has an obligation to live up to certain expectations.

Amberle

Tue, Jul 10, 2012 : 9:40 p.m.

So, it's okay for a woman who clearly has a *problem* (* emphasis instead of caps), who has done *so* much good for my school (that I love with all my heart), who mingles with students and asks how our day is going, what we think about the latest upgrade or rennovation, what are we concerned about, and what can she do to help, who has kept our tuition costs the *lowest* in the state, to have a *human* screw up, and then get completely run over for it!? I beg to differ, and I think that if we put any single person who is bashing, hating, and being completely heartless and cold and illogical about this, in her position, your first screw up would leave you begging for forgiveness. I would show none who showed this behavior to President Martin; in fact, I'd be 20x harder on you. I stand by President Martin. *period*. She's a good woman and it is not anyone else's business how she runs her personal life. She works hard and she deserves forgivness on *all* levels, and to keep her job. Period. End of story.

YpsiArbor

Tue, Jul 10, 2012 : 9:19 p.m.

One can forgive without allowing someone who is a president, a public figure, a role model, and the primary representative of an institution to keep her job when anyone else - any mid-level worker - would have been fired immediately. The whole &quot;she loves us&quot; schtick doesn't hold up when you compare it to conduct unbecoming. Perhaps when you enter the work force, you will see examples where &quot;making a serious mistake&quot; means you &quot;hit the street&quot; - regardless of personal forgiveness.

Nick Danger

Tue, Jul 10, 2012 : 7:51 p.m.

Many of us have done the same thing,had a few drinks and screwed up.Should we all have lost our jobs and be rediculed in the paper.Give the lady a break

lumberg48108

Wed, Jul 11, 2012 : 5:21 a.m.

a2 citizen
both parties involved made peace shortly after
why cant we make peace with the fact they made peace and moved on?

a2citizen

Tue, Jul 10, 2012 : 8:19 p.m.

No, but most of us don't eary a $300,000 tax payer subsidized salary. And I know of absolutely no one in my life that got into an alcohol fueled drinking argument at work and kept their job.

G-Man

Tue, Jul 10, 2012 : 7:45 p.m.

I ain't drunk.......I'm just drinkin'.........

Elaine F. Owsley

Tue, Jul 10, 2012 : 7:43 p.m.

I find it hard to believe that a person with so little self-control and awareness of their position's expectation of civil behavior can be an effective leader of any entity, especially a university whose goal is to influence the lives of young people.

a2citizen

Tue, Jul 10, 2012 : 8:17 p.m.

&quot;Leader&quot; is a term that is overused and seldom earned. I doubt that any college student considers the university president their &quot;leader&quot;.
She should, however, be an example. By that, I mean a &quot;good&quot; example.

RuralMom

Tue, Jul 10, 2012 : 7:46 p.m.

Well if she is functioning at this level now, I wonder how much BETTER it would be if she was completely healed and sober!

David Cahill

Tue, Jul 10, 2012 : 7:41 p.m.

Why did it take her a month and a half to respond to the Regents' letter?

Michigan Man

Wed, Jul 11, 2012 : 2:28 a.m.

Probably took the over paid lawyer(s) that long to write the poorly worded response to the Board.

Rimshot

Tue, Jul 10, 2012 : 8:21 p.m.

It didn't. She responded at the time the letter was put in her file. It's all coming to light now because the Detroit Free Press submitted a Freedom of Information Act request for her personnel file.

Alan Goldsmith

Tue, Jul 10, 2012 : 7:54 p.m.

Guessing the FOIA request might of had something to do with it...

leezee

Tue, Jul 10, 2012 : 7:40 p.m.

I think it's absolutely rotten that the board had to make a bigger deal out of this by including the alcohol. How do they know she was actually drunk? True, arguing with an alum is not appropriate, but disagreements to occur and her reaction may have had nothing to do with her alcohol consumption. I have worked with the president in connection with several events I have been involved in and she always handles herself in a very professional manner - and many of these events were evening activities. She has also done some amazing things for EMU since her tenure. The board should be ashamed of themselves. They (I would have put &quot;they&quot; in all caps, but then it would be considered yelling and I would be deleted) are the ones making EMU look bad.

YpsiArbor

Tue, Jul 10, 2012 : 8:25 p.m.

Your loyalty is charming. Your reading of the letters leaves a bit to be desired. Go ahead, help the president with her serial denials (&quot;I don't have a problem! I've only been caught publicly twice!&quot;) That's just what she needs, more enabling.

P. Marie Mason

Tue, Jul 10, 2012 : 8:16 p.m.

My guess, leezee, is that the unnamed alumnist was a financial contributor to the University who reported to the EMU Foundation that they would no longer donate to an endowment or threatened to pull their name from a large scholarship if there wasn't a public apology from President Martin. The Detroit Free Press was tipped-off because the EMU President declined and refused to tell the truth about the situation... and there were witnesses... just my guess. When the FOIA from FREEP hit the desk of EMU, the University President scrambled to be &quot;transparent&quot; to the EMU community. That's the way I see it and I wear glasses from a lowly place at the University. I seen stuff hit the fan before.

a2citizen

Tue, Jul 10, 2012 : 8:13 p.m.

Leezee, did you read the letter?
The board did not accuse her of being drunk. The board accused her acting inappropriately in an incident that included consumption of alcohol. They know this because Martin acknowledged it.
Martin makes not ony EMU but all universities look bad by the apparent double standard that exists. You know? Athletes are publicly shamed, coaches are fired. But presidents and boardmembers?

GenuineA2

Tue, Jul 10, 2012 : 7:44 p.m.

The reprimand letter suggests that there have been other alcohol-related incidents. If there have been, and there is any kind of paper trail on them, that board is sitting on top of a mountain of liability should this president go out and hurt someone while driving a university car. The reprimand letter reads like they are anticipating this behavior to continue, and trying to mitigate any liability down the road.

mbill

Tue, Jul 10, 2012 : 7:39 p.m.

Perhaps she should lay off any booze for 10 years. Who pays the booze bill at these public 'business functions'?

Fatkitty

Tue, Jul 10, 2012 : 7:37 p.m.

It all goes back to the Board of Regents. They approved Sam Kirkpatrick's appointment and shenanigans with the &quot;house&quot;. They approved John Fallon's appointment. They also approved Janice Stroh for VPBF.

Fatkitty

Tue, Jul 10, 2012 : 7:38 p.m.

Betcha the Regents will say, nuh-uh, didn't know about the 2005 DUI.

a2huron

Tue, Jul 10, 2012 : 7:33 p.m.

She is done. NO WAY the community will have full confidence in her going forward.
Students will start joking about it. Guess what the next student busted for excessive drinking claims as an excuse? People in this position must lead by example all day, every day. If you can't handle that scrutiny, then it is the wrong job for you.
Too many similarities/patterns for anyone to believe this isn't a habitual issue for her. Now the only question is what's the over-under on her last day at EMU?

Cash

Tue, Jul 10, 2012 : 9:28 p.m.

a2Huron, You are correct.....the downhill spiral has begun. She will be gone before year end. I know of what I speak. She is done now, but it won't happen until calendar year end, I'm betting.

Angry Moderate

Tue, Jul 10, 2012 : 7:59 p.m.

Why is everyone in these comments using words like &quot;drunk&quot;, &quot;wasted&quot;, and &quot;excessive&quot;?

Top Cat

Tue, Jul 10, 2012 : 7:24 p.m.

&quot;drunken argument&quot; ? To be fair, what does that mean? How much did she really have to drink ? A &quot;heated argument&quot; doesn't mean she was loaded.

seldon

Tue, Jul 10, 2012 : 7:12 p.m.

The real question is, how is she doing as President of EMU? Has her tenure improved the university?
My impression is that it has, and she's doing a good job. Especially in contrast to the prior couple of administrations. I've never seen anything negative about her job performance.

PattyinYpsi

Wed, Jul 11, 2012 : 12:48 p.m.

Thank you for the voice of sanity. My impression is that Martin is doing a very good job at EMU. If she has issues with alcohol--something that is in no way proved by these articles--I hope she gets treatment for it. Most of all, I hope that all these Holier-than-Thou commenters, who are so quick to judge someone they have never met, get treatment for whatever it is that ails them too.

Woman in Ypsilanti

Tue, Jul 10, 2012 : 8:17 p.m.

Surely you aren't suggesting that people should be judged by their JOB PERFORMANCE and not whatever else might be going on in their personal life are you? That would just be crazy. ;)

RuralMom

Tue, Jul 10, 2012 : 7:10 p.m.

&quot;Martin said she leads a &quot;very intense and highly visible life&quot; and &quot;could not perform these duties and handle the rigors of this position if I had a serious health issue of any type as suggested&quot; by the board in its letter.&quot;
Sorry this is a comment that would be made by a functioning alcoholic, making excuses instead of dealing with the problem straight on.

Madeleine Borthwick

Wed, Jul 11, 2012 : 1:39 p.m.

RuralMom, you are absolutely right. as a recovering alcoholic with 8 years of sobriety, I can say that I used that excuse more times than I can count(&quot;I couldn't do my job if I had this problem&quot;). typical denial.

CincoDeMayo

Wed, Jul 11, 2012 : 12:25 p.m.

These could be the justifications of an alcoholic, or they could be accurate observations of a non-alcoholic. Sometimes these two things are the same. Even though it it is true that I rarely drink, I always get raised eyebrows when I say (drink in hand) &quot;I rarely drink...&quot;
Two incidents in 7 years is not a huge indicator. The OWI is pretty serious, yet happened 7 years ago. This verbal spar over a hot topic (the logo) at an event where alcohol was served and consumed by a small invited group of people is minor.
It may be that the board, knowing about the OWI, are on the lookout for any further expressions of alcohol induced problems. It may be that they are covering their own selves by documenting the event with a written notice. Getting help may be a suggestion that the president will want to heed. Even though in the whole scheme of the good she has done for EMU this verbal outburst is insignificant.
Even though it appears to be an over-reaction by the board, there may be grounds on a legal-business level for what they did. Did it have to be leaked to the media, though - no! And that is what is wrong with this whole thing.

RuralMom

Tue, Jul 10, 2012 : 7:39 p.m.

redwingshero - when it effects your job, as it obviously has, then have a problem. When they refer you the EAP - they are trying at an arms length to get you to help yourself. Let's hope she heeds their advice!

RuralMom

Tue, Jul 10, 2012 : 7:36 p.m.

lumberg48108
Its a simple observation, that she is using a common alcoholics excuse for pitiful behavior to try to mask/cover the disease, enabling the behavior to continue.
An apology for bad behavior, doesn't include trying to justify the behavior by blaming high profile job or trying to deflect focus by pointing out their ability to perform said job.
Try a few 12 Step Meetings, you will see what some of us are picking up on. Its not diagnosing someone from a press release, its a common Alcoholics justification, usually the functioning ones!

redwingshero

Tue, Jul 10, 2012 : 7:31 p.m.

It's a physiological fact that people consuming alcohol suffer much more serious effects from it in a quicker time frame when they have an empty stomach. Your redirect please.
Two alcohol incidences in 7 years? That's choir boys compared to the guys operating cranes at those Chrysler plants....

lumberg48108

Tue, Jul 10, 2012 : 7:26 p.m.

so you can diagnose someone from a commen from a press release
by all means - diagnose me based on this post

GenuineA2

Tue, Jul 10, 2012 : 7:17 p.m.

I agree. I've known a few alcoholics and they all use the same excuses. She used the &quot;I hadn't eaten anything&quot; excuse, which is often followed by the &quot;I'm on prescription medication for X and had a 'bad reaction' when I had 'one drink'&quot; excuse and then the &quot;I'm just having a really stressful time right now&quot; excuse. A DWI in 2005. Drunk and abusive on the job in 2012. Lady's got a monkey on her back.

lumberg48108

Tue, Jul 10, 2012 : 7:06 p.m.

When people talk about the good ole days they are often criticized for lamenting about the past - a past that is not what it seemed looking back with objective eyes.
In this case, I disagree. A university president may or may not have had a few too many and got in a shouting match with a person in public - and both soon apologized when calmer heads prevailed. I know she is a &quot;public&quot; figure but jeez, cant some things stay internal?
I dont think this would have been a big deal in 2002 and for sure not a big deal in 1992 and would not even rate as blotter in 1982. Now think back to the good ole days when these things happened and no one had a conniption fit about it - it was dealt with and everyone moved on. Do you think we would have this over reaction in 1972?
I know things are different now in 2012 - but in cases like these - small, isolated events between two people that were resolved soon after - I honestly do not see the value of making this public.
Once again, in an attempt to show transparency EMU (dealing with the ghosts of the past) overcompensates.
Criticize my post all you want and go on and tell me how her behavior is public and she has a higher standard (and on and on) and I will tell you one thing, I don't think this is that big a deal and since it was settled between the parties, it should be an internal HR situation.

lumberg48108

Wed, Jul 11, 2012 : 5:19 a.m.

Except this is not about drunk driving Mr. Landes - despite your and others attempts to make it so
hijacking a timely topic to push your agenda does not mean you are correct
so no, I do not think I will check stas because they are irrelevant to this topic
so this is a potential problem? OK, I am on board with that - so reprimand her and keep in quiet and internal and in an HR capicity -- the same way I or you would be delt with - not all over the news -- why does anyone think this was handled correctly? that scares me

Stephen Landes

Tue, Jul 10, 2012 : 8:55 p.m.

Check the drunk driving statistics against your timeline and you will see why this is a big deal and what has happened to deaths since society began to consider it a big deal. She has a history of alcohol issues -- a DWI and a public incident indicate a potential problem. As the Board has apparently discussed this with her in the past they may have decided that making it public was a necessary step for them and, more importantly, for Pres Martin.

rs

Tue, Jul 10, 2012 : 7:02 p.m.

She should have settled this argument in a more professional manner...such as a beer pong match or a game of flip cup.

germ

Tue, Jul 10, 2012 : 10:25 p.m.

flip, flip, flipsilantia...flip, flip, flipsilantia...

so much nonsense

Tue, Jul 10, 2012 : 7 p.m.

Is this being blown out of proportion? Are the EMU regents acting like the UVA board of Visitors by trying to grab control and power while embarrassing their president for no good reason? She had an argument with an alumnus while having drinks. The alumus got offended and now they are insinuating that she has a drinking problem and a serious health issue. Something does not sound right.
First thing that crossed my mind.

interested

Wed, Jul 11, 2012 : 12:57 p.m.

It's like you're making her sound like a lush. Most adults enjoy adult beverages! Functions of this sort provide alcohol. As fas as what I read, it says that she had a quick, negative interaction with an alumni.
This is SO blown out of proportion. I agree with what many other posters have said...if this was a CEO drinking scotch and having a negative interaction, it would be considered banter. However, because she is a woman, she is getting reprimanded. Let's look at the fiasco at Penn State and how they dealt with a far greater problem? Pretty much, they did nothing about it.

YpsiArbor

Tue, Jul 10, 2012 : 8:06 p.m.

The president's drinking is not just beginning now. Blown out of proportion? No good reason? Wow. If you think this is nothing, and a single isolated incident, you are hopelessly naive.

lumberg48108

Tue, Jul 10, 2012 : 7:09 p.m.

Thanks -- I posted below and thought the same thing - typical EMU over reaction but watch the many posters like MRunner73 pile on ... typical snobs on these pages

MRunner73

Tue, Jul 10, 2012 : 6:57 p.m.

So how was this person ever selected by the EMU Board of Regents to be the university president to begin with? A DWI prior and now this and only a slap on the wrist? What gives?
I was at a function a few months ago at EMU and heard her speak, she gloated on how she worked here way up from a secratary to a university president in her career path. I was unimpressed. Right time, right place is the bottom line for her. As it turns out, the DC incident took place prior to the function I attended, hmmm.
EMU should send her packing. This is not an isolated incident and with an EMU alum no less. I'd like to hear that alum's side of the story. Then again, that person reconciled. (It wasn't me...)

PattyinYpsi

Wed, Jul 11, 2012 : 12:43 p.m.

She worked her way up from a secretary to a university president and you were &quot;unimpressed?&quot; What would impress you?

lumberg48108

Wed, Jul 11, 2012 : 5:11 a.m.

again I disagree --- she was reprimanded and it should have stayed internal; in fact, this was anyone else it would have stayed internal so please spare me the privledge comment
as far as this happening to others at EMU - faculty and staff are in unions - most would not have bene fired for the same situation - most would have been reprimanded --- after due process based on the CBA --- so get a clue

YpsiArbor

Tue, Jul 10, 2012 : 8:05 p.m.

Right on, Runner. No way us ordinary people would be allowed to keep our jobs after an incident like that. But privilege has its perks.

MRunner73

Tue, Jul 10, 2012 : 7:15 p.m.

lumberg...any one of us would have been sent packing if we'd have been involved in such incidents. A university president should be held to a higher standard. My comments are consistent with the morals and standards in today's world for high profile people in prestigious positions.

lumberg48108

Tue, Jul 10, 2012 : 7:07 p.m.

wow - you have some incredibly high standards for human beings ...
I wonder who actually measures up in your eyes

xmo

Tue, Jul 10, 2012 : 6:56 p.m.

I like a women with passion!
I wonder if the &quot;&quot;particularly sad time in Eastern's history.&quot; &quot; was when they became the &quot;Generic Eagles&quot;?
You Go Girl!

ccsummer

Wed, Jul 11, 2012 : 2:27 p.m.

This is not about the change in the name of EMU's athletic teams. It's about what appears to be the serious illness of the university president, namely substance abuse, which is apparently interfering with her ability to carry out the responsibilities of her position. She needs help, not excuses for her behavior. I like a woman with passion too, but a woman can be sober and passionate. A very public verbal altercation with someone being asked to donate money to the university is not the way to represent the university nor garner financial support.

UgottaBkidding

Tue, Jul 10, 2012 : 6:54 p.m.

&quot;Martin got into a heated argument with an alumnus about a &quot;particularly sad time in Eastern's history.&quot; Hmmm...could it be about Alumni withholding donations because of the HURONS nickname and logo fiasco? The ex-president's white elephant mansion costing millions over budget? How corrupt the administration was under now ex VP LarrySmith? Kickbacks for building the Owen College of Business downtown? All these things sure make your mind wonder!!

CroseW

Thu, Jul 12, 2012 : 2:47 p.m.

I can relate to the frustration of dealing with anyone holding on to the controversy of a change that occurred 21 years ago! Considering the larger issues at hand, it is more than time to move on. EMU has a solid leader, who is assertive, and not afraid to fight for EMU to be excellent.

Doug

Tue, Jul 10, 2012 : 7:54 p.m.

Sorry, but Larry Smith was one of the good guys. I know because I was there!

redwingshero

Tue, Jul 10, 2012 : 7:09 p.m.

Could have been about that murder cover-up on campus....

catfishrisin

Tue, Jul 10, 2012 : 6:53 p.m.

EMU can not seem to hire a President that does not leave a stain on the image and reputation of the university. Here we go again.

glimmertwin

Tue, Jul 10, 2012 : 7:23 p.m.

It seems that way. But every time there is trouble, they always seem to fall back to Don Lopnow to clean up the mess. He should be the president now (IMHO).

boo

Tue, Jul 10, 2012 : 6:50 p.m.

anyone troubled by the DWI she had in 2005? BEFORE she was hired at EMU. Seems like this was not an isolated incident.

lumberg48108

Wed, Jul 11, 2012 : 5:09 a.m.

OUIL - operating under the influence of liquor
its a lesser charge - pleaded down usually -- most infractions are not actual DUIs - that is just a generic term for drunk driving

Ann English

Tue, Jul 10, 2012 : 10:47 p.m.

Boo,
Do you happen to know if a DWI is a felony or a misdemeanor? I recently came across one business that only asked about past felonies on their job applications. Most businesses do ask about past misdemeanors, but all of them want to know if a job candidate has any felonious act in his or her past.

julieswhimsies

Tue, Jul 10, 2012 : 9:30 p.m.

lumberg...OUIL?! Huh?

julieswhimsies

Tue, Jul 10, 2012 : 9:29 p.m.

boo I agree.

Stephen Landes

Tue, Jul 10, 2012 : 8:49 p.m.

Getting caught driving while intoxicated is rarely the first or only time the person has done it -- just the only time they've been caught. I hope Pres. Martin gets the help she needs.

Angry Moderate

Tue, Jul 10, 2012 : 7:41 p.m.

Driving drunk is not a &quot;mistake.&quot;

lumberg48108

Tue, Jul 10, 2012 : 7:24 p.m.

I am not troubled by one OUIL --- once is a mistake and it can happen to anyone
more than once is a pattern

MRunner73

Tue, Jul 10, 2012 : 6:59 p.m.

Agree, something's not right. Two and two are not adding up correctly.

Davidian

Tue, Jul 10, 2012 : 6:50 p.m.

Getting wasted and arguing with alums. How professional. You would think that given her pay and visible role she would be able exercise some restraint.

Rimshot

Tue, Jul 10, 2012 : 8:43 p.m.

Did you bother to read the Regents letter? No mention of being &quot;wasted&quot;.

GenuineA2

Tue, Jul 10, 2012 : 6:44 p.m.

Wow. Is the EMU community going to stand for this? Is this the new standard at EMU -- every employee gets one &quot;drunk and abusive on the job&quot; pass (or, as the reprimand letter suggests, one or more such passes)? That's going to make things awfully difficult when other employees show up for work drunk. What if a university police officer does? How about someone who drives university vehicles as part of his/her job? Raise your hand if YOU can be drunk and abusive on the job and still keep your job. There is a double standard here that is simply unacceptable. Would a custodian be fired for being drunk on the job? Absolutely. Would a secretary? Yes. And the quarter of a million dollar university president should be fired, too. Shame on EMU for finding this conduct acceptable.

PattyinYpsi

Wed, Jul 11, 2012 : 12:41 p.m.

There is no indication that she was drunk. She was drinking wine. The two are not the same. And clearly, whatever her conduct was, the university did NOT find it acceptable.
This piling on is so unfair. And come on, people--do you think that if Susan Martin were Stan Martin and told off an alum while having a few beers anyone would ever have known about it, much less be dragged on the carpet for it?

lumberg48108

Wed, Jul 11, 2012 : 5:07 a.m.

To all the clueless - this is not about a drunk driving from seven years ago-
try and stay on topic

Robin1979

Wed, Jul 11, 2012 : 3:43 a.m.

At least she's not trying to cover up a murder!

Woman in Ypsilanti

Tue, Jul 10, 2012 : 8:14 p.m.

It sounds like she may have been at a function where alcohol was served when this happened. In the past, when I have had a job where I was required to go to such functions, everyone was drinking &quot;on the clock&quot;.

redwingshero

Tue, Jul 10, 2012 : 7:03 p.m.

If she was a saleswoman, alcohol would be practically a requirement of the job....
After all, big Tom Callahan once sold a ketchup popsicle to a woman in white gloves...

a2citizen

Tue, Jul 10, 2012 : 6:40 p.m.

I forget...why was Gary Moeller fired from Michigan?

twirtzy

Wed, Jul 11, 2012 : 4:20 p.m.

How many prior drinking incidents did he have?

CincoDeMayo

Wed, Jul 11, 2012 : 12:02 p.m.

Not a verbal spar within a small circle of people.

Carole

Wed, Jul 11, 2012 : 11:44 a.m.

For getting into a fight.

Soft Paw

Tue, Jul 10, 2012 : 11:18 p.m.

He should have done what Lloyd did - beat 2 MAC teams a year. (RichRod couldn't even do that, hahaha).

Craig Lounsbury

Tue, Jul 10, 2012 : 8:38 p.m.

&quot;Going 8-4 two years in a row.....before we were used to it.&quot;
Bam

EyeHeartA2

Tue, Jul 10, 2012 : 6:43 p.m.

Going 8-4 two years in a row.....before we were used to it.

Alan Goldsmith

Tue, Jul 10, 2012 : 6:32 p.m.

&quot;Martin disclosed the letter to the campus community this afternoon, four hours after the university fulfilled a Freedom of Information Act request by the Detroit Free Press for Martin's personnel file. EMU was due to respond last week to the Free Press' request but asked for a delay because of the holiday week
http://www.freep.com/article/20120710/NEWS06/120710045/Eastern-Michigan-University-president-drinking-Susan-Martin?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|FRONTPAGE
Did AnnArbor.com have a pending FOIA on this story as well?

CincoDeMayo

Wed, Jul 11, 2012 : 12:01 p.m.

Sorry - I put this comment in the wrong place.

CincoDeMayo

Wed, Jul 11, 2012 : 12:01 p.m.

Not a verbal spar within a small circle of people.

catfishrisin

Tue, Jul 10, 2012 : 6:56 p.m.

Explains the &quot;openness&quot; the pres. espouses

Alan Goldsmith

Tue, Jul 10, 2012 : 6:54 p.m.

Thanks Paula for your honesty.

Paula Gardner

Tue, Jul 10, 2012 : 6:52 p.m.

We did not.

Jessica 'Decky' Alexander

Tue, Jul 10, 2012 : 6:30 p.m.

Sadly, I think this incident is less about President Martin and more about a governing body wanting to manage and often manipulate (not just advise) all the nooks and crannies of a publicly supported University. Here is what I know...since President Martin there is a stability at EMU. One may not agree with all the choices of this administration (myself included), but overall President Martin has made some personnel and structural choices that have given EMU a stronger present and a brighter future. We are in the game in great part to her team and her leadership.

Udara Bersih

Wed, Jul 11, 2012 : 3:56 p.m.

Yes, the branding campaign that was announced with great fanfare to be &quot;unique to EMU&quot;. A simple Google search proved that not to be so. There were so many eyes rolling at that launch it made me dizzy. And this is the same campaign that was hired out by an Associate VP (&quot;T&quot;) who was removed from his supervisory position over about dozen employees after half of them went to HR to complain.
Because of &quot;T's&quot; inability to lead, an additional VP position was created, adding to the top-heaviness of the administration and adding additional unnecessary cost.
&quot;T&quot; was then put in charge of one position. A position he filled with his hand-picked inexperienced gal Friday. I know of at least two experienced, more qualified applicants who didn't even get an interview for that position.
Oh, and said VP? He lied on his resume. Something the regents knew before &quot;T&quot; started. I believe they found out after he had been extended an offer, but before the offer was accepted. However, it could have been between his acceptance and his start date. Nevertheless, they knew about it, still hired him, and are still enabling his undeserved tenure there.
This is the kind of environment that is being encouraged and supported by the Regents and the President. There have been some improvements, yes, but a lot of waste and a stripping of the underlying infrastructure of the university. Getting rid of &quot;T&quot; could have saved 3-4 CS or PT positions in the big layoff that happened last year. Positions that are essential to the long-term success of the university.

Robin1979

Wed, Jul 11, 2012 : 3:40 a.m.

Jessica (as a student in the pre and post-Martin era), in response to your last comment, I agree whole-heartedly!

Jessica 'Decky' Alexander

Wed, Jul 11, 2012 : 12:35 a.m.

As someone who both works for EMU as a faculty member and who lives in Ypsilanti, I can personally speak to EMU's stability since President Martin's arrival. Experiencing several prior presidents, some who I quite personally liked, there is no doubt that under President Martin despite these challenging economic times, EMU is quieter, stabler and moving forward in many areas (not all but many).
1. Stability is a result of safety and safety is often a consequence of campus security, infrastructure and grounds. Under President Martin and the director of Physical Plant they have invested in creating a safer campus thru lighting, open walk-ways, signage, accessibility, energy efficient windows,etc. The campus looks better is better, it's inviting and basically says to visiting students, parents etc...'we are an open and accessible campus'.
2. Under this leadership team there has been a priority in academic infrastructure. Significant overhauls in EMU's two largest classroom buildings Pray-Harrold and Mark Jefferson (even in these financially challenging times) says a lot about who we are &amp; where EMU is going as an institution.
3. The reconfiguring of the University government relations position to focus on both government and community relations. This re-org has led to progressive and needed partnerships and support between the city of Ypsilanti and the community including the DDA, Rutherford Pool, SPARK East Incubator. There is still much work to be done on this, but President Martin &amp; her team I believe are dedicated to collaborating with the city in ways that improve the quality of life for all.
4. President Martin &amp; her team have worked very hard to 'brand' EMU in ways that accurately capture the 'TruEMU'. Whether the focus is on tuition restraint, faculty to student ratio, or first generation college students, there is a greater understanding of who EMU is and could be.

YpsiArbor

Tue, Jul 10, 2012 : 8:01 p.m.

Jessica, do you think the kind of stability she has brought excuses an incident (or more) of public drunkenness on the part of a President? There is a reason CEOs are held to certain behavioral standards. And, as far as her &quot;personnel and structural choices,&quot; I think you'd find some people debating those.

Davidian

Tue, Jul 10, 2012 : 6:51 p.m.

Stability how?

Paula Gardner

Tue, Jul 10, 2012 : 6:28 p.m.

She makes $309,915, as of Sunday, according to her existing contract.
http://www.annarbor.com/news/ypsilanti/eastern-michigan-university-president-susan-martin-gets-raise-two-year-contract-extensiona-two-year/

CroseW

Thu, Jul 12, 2012 : 2:28 p.m.

Dr. Martin's salary is public knowledge, and really not relevant to this report. The only damage being created is the speculation and assumptions by people who weren't there.

PattyinYpsi

Wed, Jul 11, 2012 : 12:37 p.m.

Sorry--meant to say that 14 presidents of schools you've never heard of make more than $1 million.

PattyinYpsi

Wed, Jul 11, 2012 : 12:36 p.m.

@Carole: Susan Martin's salary is BELOW the median 2009 salary for college presidents in the US, according to a report in the Chronicle of Higher Education dated today. The median salary is $386,000. And at least 14 college presidents--from such stellar institutions as Moutain State University and Hendrix College--which has a student body of 1,400.
Maybe do two minutes of research before posting bogus relationships between the President's salary and tuition?...

Carole

Wed, Jul 11, 2012 : 11:43 a.m.

No wonder tuition is so high.

YpsiArbor

Tue, Jul 10, 2012 : 7:59 p.m.

Time for another raise!

dading dont delete me bro

Tue, Jul 10, 2012 : 6:20 p.m.

&quot;In an email to the campus community sent Tuesday, Martin apologized for the conduct.&quot;
as a current student, i did not get my campus community email that was sent today.

germ

Tue, Jul 10, 2012 : 10:18 p.m.

Nor did I, but doesn't really matter now since this article came out. Frankly, I feel like there are too many apology emails from President's Office than I feel comfortable with. When I attended MSU, never once was there any kind of apology email from the Trustees/Regents, President's Office, or Provost's Office. Doesn't it just strike you as a little odd? It's a little too sentimental and I would prefer to see action to benefit the university, not just words in an email.

angangang

Tue, Jul 10, 2012 : 7:55 p.m.

Continued:
The role of the President is extremely demanding and challenging and my conduct must always be a role model for our students 24/7. I will always work as hard as I can to lift Eastern up and make it shine. I hold myself to a high standard and will always be up front and honest with you. We have accomplished much together here at Eastern and I look forward to a bright future for this campus. In four years, we have increased enrollment, improved campus safety, improved retention, increased the number of graduates, invested $200 million in campus facilities, hired 120 faculty, increased financial aid significantly while holding tuition low, and completed the Invest Inspire campaign with $56 million.
I love Eastern and am deeply committed to its success.
Sincerely,
Susan W. Martin
President
Statement from Board of Regents Chair Roy Wilbanks:
This was a matter the Regents addressed promptly and appropriately with full transparency. EMU will continue to focus on enhancing academic quality, increasing enrollment and increasing student credit hour production. We are also focusing and investing resources in campus renovations and increasing private support to the university. That has been and will continue to be the focus of the university. We will continue to move forward. And to that end, the chair is supportive of the president.
Sincerely,
Roy E. Wilbanks
Chair, Board of Regents

angangang

Tue, Jul 10, 2012 : 7:54 p.m.

It seems like a few staff members also did not receive the email either. Probably a problem with the mailing list. This is what it said:
To Students, Faculty and Staff:
As your President starting my fifth year, I made a vow to never cover up or hide anything.
In April, I had a disagreement with an alumni member following an alumni reception in Washington, D.C. about Eastern's past. I lost my temper and made inappropriate remarks for which I apologized. I also reported this incident to the Chair of the Board of Regents and apologized for being &quot;unpresidential.&quot; As a result, the Board placed a formal reprimand in my personnel file and I have provided a statement in response. I made a mistake and I apologize to you for it. I have assured the Board – and want to assure you - that this will not occur again. I own the incident and have great confidence in the Board's judgment. Together, we have accomplished many positive initiatives and I look forward to continuing to work jointly on behalf of our students, faculty and staff.
In the spirit of full disclosure, the link below includes the letter from the Board and my response statement. It also includes a copy of my driving record, which includes an operating while impaired violation that occurred in 2005, and which the Board was fully aware of prior to hiring me as President. www.emich.edu/president/information

EyeHeartA2

Tue, Jul 10, 2012 : 6:20 p.m.

Now THAT's how you party. EMU style.

Commoncents

Tue, Jul 10, 2012 : 6:16 p.m.

How much does she make again ? What was the argument over ? These are two VERY important things missing from the story. Can you find out ?

Commoncents

Tue, Jul 10, 2012 : 11:02 p.m.

CroseW: She gets paid over $300k! I don't know what story you're referring to, but it should be included in the article. What is the problem with bringing it up ?

CroseW

Tue, Jul 10, 2012 : 6:34 p.m.

The article says it was about a very sad time in Eastern's history. Enough said. We do not need to re-dredge the university in its PAST difficulties. All of the people involved are dealt with and gone. EMU is moving forward in a most positive way with improvements and a level of involvement we have never seen before. IMMHO Dr. Susan Martin earns every penny of her salary.